RESPECTED skipper Paul Lovering says he is proud to have made 250 appearances for Airdrie.

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The Diamonds defender reached the figure at Forthbank Stadium last Saturday and is now setting his sights on Stenhousemuir tomorrow.

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"I'm really delighted to hit such a landmark and get another goal and it does mean a lot to me," he said after netting a penalty in his side's 4-1 win at Stirling Albion.

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"I have had a fantastic time at Airdrie. I love it here. Everyone from the players in the dressing-room to the directors in the boardroom have been good to me over the years.

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"To make as many appearances as I have is something that makes me very proud and I'm very pleased.

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"It's a real privilege to captain the club, particularly with so many young guys coming through the ranks here.

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"This is a fantastic club. The Ballantyne family have been great to me ever since I arrived and the fans have always got behind me."

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Airdrie won their first away game of the season last weekend and, in doing so, ended a run of six league matches without a victory.

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But Lovering knows more of the same will be required if the Diamonds are to begin climbing the table and has vowed to keep his feet on the ground.

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The 36-year-old added: "Hopefully we can kick-on from here. We won't get carried away this result as we know we have a tough match at Stenhousemuir coming up."